Regenerative power supply system and method

ABSTRACT

A regenerative power supply system and method comprises a dynamo-electric generator, an electric drive motor coupled to the generator, a transmission device coupling the generator to the electric drive motor, and an energy storage device configured to provide a backup power supply to the regenerative power supply system. An electronic control device is configured to control a flow of electricity to the electric drive motor. An energy storage management device is configured to control a flow of electricity between the electronic control device and the energy storage device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/779,948.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed generally to electrical power generation,storage and transmission systems and methods and, more particularly, toan electrical power generation, storage and transmission system and amethod for supplying power continuously to meet load demands on-site,provide surplus power to a local electrical utility system grid, and/ormaintain a stand-alone power supply and storage system isolated from anelectrical utility system grid.

BACKGROUND

Typically, on-site power generation or energy storage tends to bedesigned for use only as a backup energy source in the event of thedisruption of supply from a normal source of electricity such as a localelectrical utility. Those methods may take the form of combustion,piston driven engines that consume fossil fuels such as natural gas,petroleum products or propane. They can be loud and produce greenhousegases known to contribute to the effects of global warming. Thesegenerators are typically for emergency use or for the regulation ofpower supply to the facility to ensure a steady flow of power so thatsensitive electronic devices or data are not damaged (or lost) by powerfluctuations as would be the primary function of traditionaluninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. They require energy inputsthat once consumed cannot be reclaimed for use in a regenerative cycleof electricity production.

Other distributed (on-site) power generation methods involvingharvesting renewable resources such as solar energy also face the samelimitation of being unable to regenerate their own energy inputs.Furthermore, renewable energy systems, when utilized alone are dependenton natural cycles such as seasonal fluctuations in potential energyavailable for harvesting and diurnal cycles that limit reliable dailyaccess to energy inputs (e.g., sunlight). In general, on-site powergeneration is desirable because it minimizes the energy losses thatoccur in fossil fueled power plants and the losses in electricitytransmission lines to the end user. Accordingly, power generated andutilized on-site is more energy efficient than that produced remotely.

It is desirable to have access and control over an on-site power supplythat is safe, quiet, clean, sustainable, inexpensive, abundant andultra-efficient in its ability to maximize the electricity-generatingcapabilities of its constituent components while minimizing energylosses. Furthermore, such a power supply system that may generate itsown energy to initiate and sustain a continuous cycle of powergeneration is inherently valuable in financial and environmental terms.The self-sufficiency that results from such a method of power generationalso increases the energy security of a particular user (or site) thatrequires secure and dependable access to an uninterrupted supply ofpower.

It is also desirable to employ a method of electricity generation thatrecaptures some of its own energy production so as to regenerate its ownenergy supply required to drive the process. There is the potential togreatly reduce the cost of one's own energy supply by utilizing such amethod as described in the present invention. Eliminating dependence onthe local, regional, national and global energy markets and powergeneration utilities also eliminates the risks associated with theseinfrastructural networks and commodities; the cost of fossil fuels andelectricity rates will continue to rise over time, sometimesprecipitously.

The semi-regulated nature of the American energy markets allowselectrical utilities to pass on the capital cost of infrastructureimprovements to the consumer with approval by state and localgovernments. A system that recaptures its own energy production alsoalleviates the effects of global warming in that it reduces one's carbonfootprint by producing power without the need for fossil fuels andwithout producing greenhouse gas emissions of its own.

While many improvements in technology have advanced the energyefficiency of our society, the pervasiveness of technology in everyfacet of American life and a growing population of citizens andtechnology users has resulted in a growing dependence on electricity tosustain the American lifestyle and economy. As our nation's energyinfrastructure ages and our demand for electricity grows, it is vitalthat we develop every means possible to generate power as efficientlyand as abundantly as possible while being as self-sufficient as we areable, both collectively and individually.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a regenerative powersupply system is provided comprising a dynamo-electric generator, anelectric drive motor coupled to the generator, a transmission devicecoupling the generator to the electric drive motor, an energy storagedevice configured to provide a backup power supply to the regenerativepower supply system, an electronic control device configured to controla flow of electricity to the electric drive motor, and an energy storagemanagement device configured to control a flow of electricity betweenthe electronic control device and the energy storage device.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the transmissiondevice may comprise a first wheel coupled to the electric drive motor, asecond wheel coupled to the dynamo-electric generator that is smallerthan the first wheel, and mechanical drive linkage coupling the firstwheel and the second wheel such that the dynamo-electric generatorrotates at an angular velocity greater than an angular velocity of theelectric drive motor. Additionally, the regenerative power supply systemmay further comprise a distributed power source distinct from anelectrical grid power source. The distributed power source may be asolar photovoltaic array configured to recharge the energy storagedevice. The dynamo-electric generator may supply electricity to meetload demands of the regenerative power supply system, supply electricityto a local electrical utility system grid, or supply electricity to theenergy storage device. The regenerative power supply system of thepresent invention may further comprise a power inverter configured toconvert direct current electricity stored in the energy storage deviceor generated by the distributed power source into alternating current tomeet load demands of the regenerative power supply system or theelectric drive motor, or to provide supplemental electricity to theelectrical grid power source. Additionally, the regenerative powersupply system may further comprise a second power inverter configured toconvert direct current electricity produced by the dynamo-electricgenerator into alternating current to recharge the energy storagedevice, meet load demands of the regenerative power supply system orprovide supplemental electricity to the electrical grid power source.The energy storage device of the present invention may comprise anelectrical battery bank. Further, the electronic control device maycomprise an alternating current transfer control switch and fuseddisconnect panel to control flow of alternating current electricitywithin the regenerative power supply system and the energy storagemanagement device may control a flow of electricity between theelectronic control device and the energy storage device.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, aregenerative power supply method is provided comprising providing adynamo-electric generator, providing an electric drive motor coupled tothe generator, providing a transmission device coupling the generator tothe electric drive motor, providing a backup power supply with an energystorage system, controlling a flow of electricity with an electroniccontrol device, and controlling a flow of electricity between theelectronic control device and the energy storage device using an energystorage management device such that the energy storage device meetson-site load demands or provides supplemental electricity to anelectrical grid power source.

According to further aspects of the present invention, the transmissiondevice may further comprise a first wheel coupled to the electric drivemotor, a second wheel coupled to the dynamo-electric generator that issmaller than the first wheel and mechanical drive linkage coupling thefirst wheel and the second wheel such that the dynamo-electric generatorrotates at an angular velocity greater than an angular velocity of theelectric drive motor. The regenerative power supply method may furthercomprise providing a distributed power source distinct from anelectrical grid power source, wherein the distributed power sourcecomprises a solar photovoltaic array configured to recharge the energystorage device. Additionally, the regenerative power supply method mayfurther comprise converting direct current electricity stored in theenergy storage device or generated by the distributed power source intoalternating current with a first power inverter to meet on-site loaddemands or demand of the electric drive motor, or to providesupplemental electricity to the electrical grid power source.Additionally, the regenerative power supply method may even furthercomprise converting direct current electricity produced by thedynamo-electric generator into alternating current with a second powerinverter to recharge the energy storage device, meet on-site loaddemands of the regenerative power supply system or provide supplementalelectricity to the electrical grid power source. The energy storagedevice may comprise an electrical battery bank. Additionally, theelectronic control device may comprise an alternating current transfercontrol switch and fused disconnect panel to control flow of alternatingcurrent electricity within the regenerative power supply system and theenergy storage management device may control a flow of electricitybetween the electronic control device and the energy storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thepresent invention will be better understood from the followingdescription in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing Figures, inwhich like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view and partial cross-sectional view of abuilding structure incorporating a regenerative power supply and methodaccording to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a regenerative power supply and methodaccording to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a regenerative power supply and methodaccording to aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dynamo-electric generator,electric drive motor, and transmission device according to aspects ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way oflimitation, a specific preferred embodiment in which the invention maybe practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

The regenerative power supply system and method of the present inventionis designed to be a principal source of electricity generation tosupplant dependence on a local electrical utility. Additionally, solarenergy harvested by a solar photovoltaic array is used in the presentinvention as a backup power supply to the electricity produced by thedynamo-electric generator, thereby mediating the supply of energy fromthe system and bolstering its stand-alone potential as a distributedpower source that may be independent of the grid.

The present invention is not limited in its ability to generate powerand store energy continuously every day of the year, at all hours of theday regardless of seasonal conditions or access to natural resources,such as sunlight. The system described in this disclosure generatespower continuously so that the system may meet all or part of theelectricity required to operate a particular facility, building orelectricity consuming process. As the system produces energy at allhours of the day, the surplus energy that is not stored in an energystorage device (e.g., an electrical battery bank) is recaptured toregenerate the process, consumed by on-site load demands, or can be fedback into a local electric utility grid. The value of this energy astracked by a smart grid meter may be credited back to the consumer whois now also a producer of energy in their own right.

The present invention utilizes simple, durable and dependable componentsthat have long useful lifespans and may operate for long periods of timewith little maintenance. Further, the system of the present invention isunaffected by inclement weather, the fluctuations of prevailingelectricity rates or failures within the nation's electrical grid andpower generation facilities. The security of such energy production asdescribed in this disclosure may serve to insulate a user of the systemfrom the economic volatility of the global marketplace while alsomediating the detrimental effects of disruptions to electrical servicefrom local utility systems. Severe weather that is the result of normalseasonal conditions or so-called “super-storms” that a growing number ofscientists believe is a consequence of global warming have proven to bedisruptive to normal electricity supply from utility scale powergenerating and transmission systems. Power brown-outs and extendedblack-outs are also a consequence of overloads on the nationalelectricity infrastructure that are exacerbated by intense peak demandson the utility grid and generation systems.

The present invention addresses remaining needs in the art, includingthe distributed (on-site) generation of electricity in anultra-efficient manner that recaptures some of its own power so as toregenerate its own energy inputs that drive the principal powergeneration components of the system. The regenerative power supplysystem and method of the present invention is able to act as a normalsource of electricity to meet on-site load demands while also supplyingexcess power production to a local electrical utility system grid.Furthermore, the present invention is able to intelligently coordinatethe flow of power to and from and within the components of the systemitself. The coordination of the flow of power according to aspects ofthe present invention includes control of electrical power to on-siteelectrical loads as well as control to and from external sources ofpower such as an electrical utility.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which shows a building structure thatcontains a regenerative power supply system according to aspects of thepresent invention. A building enclosure 26 includes a building roof 27and a building interior having a generator room 25. The regenerativepower supply system according to one embodiment of the present inventionis connected to an electrical utility system grid 24 that supplieselectricity to the regenerative power supply system. Additionally, theregenerative power supply system is connected to the electrical utilitysystem grid 24 through a smart grid meter 23 when surplus energy isavailable to be fed back into the electrical utility system grid 24.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a distributed powersource is included in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, adistributed power source such as a solar photovoltaic array 15 a isprovided. In the preferred embodiment, the solar photovoltaic array 15 ais mounted on the building roof 27, as shown in FIG. 1. However, thesolar photovoltaic array 15 a may be mounted at any location thatpermits sunlight to reach it. Further, any other renewable source ofenergy, including but not limited to a wind, water, or geothermal energysource, is contemplated as a distributed power source under the presentinvention.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the smart grid meter 23 connects to a main ACpower distribution breaker panel 20 a of the regenerative power supplysystem via an electrical utility service connection 22. The main ACpower distribution breaker panel 20 a is grounded via grounding line 20b, as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2. Further, the main ACpower distribution breaker panel 20 a is wired to multiple AC baddemands 21, as shown in FIG. 2, and a generator system sub-panel 19 avia AC power lead 2 f and AC neutral line 3 f. The generator systemsub-panel 19 a isolates the regenerative power supply system from themain AC power distribution breaker panel 20 a that services the buildingenclosure 26 and the electrical utility system grid 24 such that theregenerative power supply system may be shut off for maintenance.Additionally, AC power lead 2 f and AC neutral line 3 f may be fuseprotected against short-circuits and power surges.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the solar photovoltaic array 15 a in thepreferred embodiment is connected to a supplemental electronic controldevice 14 a via negative direct current (DC) line 17 a and DC power lead16 a that pass through the roof 27 to the interior of the building.Additionally, the solar photovoltaic array 15 a is grounded viagrounding line 15 b. The sizing of the DC leads and lines of the solarphotovoltaic array 15 a are preferably determined by the output of thesolar photovoltaic array 15 a and energy storage system capabilities andare preferably protected within sheathing or a conduit. The supplementalelectronic control device 14 a of the preferred embodiment is anelectronic DC transfer switch control and fused disconnect panel thatcontrols the flow of DC power from the solar photovoltaic array 15 a tothe power generation and energy storage components of the regenerativepower supply system. In another embodiment of the present invention, thesupplemental electronic control device 14 a may be used to combinemultiple parallel series of solar photovoltaic arrays or panels.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the generator system sub-panel 19 a of thepreferred embodiment is connected to a main electronic control device 1a via AC power lead 2 e and AC neutral lead 3 e. Main electronic controldevice 1 a is preferably an electronic AC transfer switch control andfused disconnect panel that controls the operation of an electric drivemotor 4 b and, indirectly, the operation of a dynamo-electric generator6 b and its ability to generate electricity, as well as the flow of ACpower to and from and within the regenerative power supply systemitself, regardless of power source. As shown in the preferred embodimentof FIG. 3, AC power lead 2 a and AC neutral line 3 a connect the mainelectronic control device 1 a to the electric drive motor 4 b havingcoupled thereto a drive motor gear wheel 4 e. The drive motor gear wheel4 e is mechanically linked to a generator gear wheel 6 e of thedynamo-electric generator 6 b via a synchronous timing belt 5 to form atransmission device. As shown in FIG. 3, the drive motor gear wheel 4 eis significantly larger than the generator gear wheel 6 e such that,when the electric drive motor 4 b drives the dynamo-electric generator 6b, the generator 6 b rotates faster than the electric drive motor 4 b.The electric drive motor 4 b is mounted to an interior wall of thegenerator room 25 via motor mounting bracket 4 a and the dynamo-electricgenerator 6 b is mounted to an interior wall of the generator room 25via a generator mounting bracket 6 a.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention may include theelectric drive motor gear wheel 4 e being smaller than the generatorgear wheel 6 e. A smaller electric drive motor gear wheel 4 e allows agreater amount of torque to be applied to the generator gear wheel 6 e.Similarly, the transmission device that includes the belt 5 and gearwheels 4 e, 6 e may further include multiple gear wheels on each of thegenerator and the motor. Further, the transmission device may comprise acontinuously-variable transmission (CVT) to allow an essentiallyinfinite number of gearing combinations between the motor and generatorsuch that the exchange of speed for torque of the generator may bevaried to accommodate the load demand of the generator in real time.

The structure of the electric drive motor 4 b, dynamo-electric generator6 b, and transmission device including belt 5 of the preferredembodiment are shown in detail in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates theelectrical drive motor 4 b having a rotary shaft 4 c with the drivemotor gear wheel 4 e secured by lock rings 4 d and 4 f. Similarly, thedynamo-electric generator 6 b has a rotary shaft 6 c with the generatorgear wheel 6 e secured by lock rings 6 d and 6 f. The drive motor gearwheel 4 e and the generator gear wheel 6 e are preferably constructedfrom metal, ceramic or other appropriate rigid, lightweight,high-strength material. Additionally, the gear wheels 4 e, 6 e haveequal pitch but have different radii. The generator gear wheel 6 e issecured on the rotary shaft 6 c of the dynamo-electric generator 6 b andthe larger gear secured on the rotary shaft 4 c of the electric drivemotor 4 b in order to create a mechanical advantage that augments therotary speed of the electric drive motor 4 b. This is translated via themechanical drive linkage of the belt 5 to the dynamo-electric generator6 b enabling the electrical drive motor 4 b to drive a generator oflarger capacity. The electric drive motor 4 b, as shown in the preferredembodiment, has an approximate capacity of up to, but not limited to 5Horsepower.

Referring again to FIG. 3, dynamo-electric generator 6 b produces DCelectricity that flows via positive DC line 7 and negative DC line 8 togenerator inverter 9, which converts the DC electricity into ACelectricity. AC power lead 2 b and AC neutral lead 3 b send the ACelectricity to the main electronic control device 1 a. Additionally, theDC electricity flowing from the supplemental electronic control device14 a flows through lines 16 c and 17 c to be converted into ACelectricity at supplemental inverter 18. The lines 2 d and 3 d carry theAC electricity to the main electronic control device 1 a. The ACelectricity in lines 2 d and 3 d can be used to power the electric drivemotor 4 b or supplement the electrical utility system grid 24. Thedynamo-electric generator 6 b, as shown in the preferred embodiment, hasan approximate capacity of up to, but not limited to 50 kW.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention may include analternator in place of the dynamo-electric generator 6 b. The presenceof an alternator would allow generation of AC electricity directly fromthe mechanical transmission of power from the electric drive motor 4 b.This alternative embodiment would eliminate the need for the generatorinverter 9 and the DC lines 7, 8. Another alternative embodiment mayinclude electric drive motor 4 b being driven by DC electricity ratherthan AC electricity. The use of a DC electric drive motor would requirethat AC lines 2 a, 3 a become DC lines and the energy storage managementdevice 10 would no longer have to rectify the DC power from the energystorage device 13 b and the supplemental power produced by the solararray 15 a.

The DC electricity flowing from the supplemental electronic controldevice 14 a may flow through lines 16 b and 17 b to an energy storagemanagement device 10, AC electricity may also flow into the energystorage management device 10 from the main electronic control device 1 avia lines 2 c and 3 c. AC electricity is converted into DC electricityand is supplemented with available DC electricity in the energy storagemanagement device 10 before being sent to an energy storage device 13 bvia lines 11 and 12. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, energystorage device 13 b includes a bank of electrical batteries 13 c.Further, the energy storage device 13 b may include grounding 13 d. Theenergy storage device 13 b may provide initial electricity required tostart the regenerative power supply system, act as a backup powersupply, or mediate the power supply required by electrical drive motor 4b. Further, the energy storage device 13 b may be recharged from avariety of power sources including, but not limited to, thedynamo-electric generator 6 b, an electrical utility system grid 24, arenewable energy source such as the solar photovoltaic array 15 a and/orsome other type of distributed power source that may be present. In analternative embodiment of the present invention, energy storage device13 b may include a mechanical storage means such as an inertial energystorage system utilizing a flywheel, for example.

The electronic control devices of the present invention, including mainelectronic control device 1 a, energy storage management device 10,supplemental electronic control device 14 a, generator system sub-panel19 a, or main AC power distribution breaker panel 20 a, may includespecific logic or circuit overlays in order to accomplish the desiredfunction of AC or DC electricity flow as described in each of theembodiments of the preferred embodiment.

A distributed power source such as the solar photovoltaic array 15 a ofthe preferred embodiment is capable of recharging the energy storagedevice 13 b, supplying supplemental power to the electric drive motor 4b, the load demands serviced by the system and/or the electrical utilitysystem grid 24 if the system is grid-connected and surplus solar orother supplemental electricity is produced. The distributed power sourcesuch as the solar photovoltaic array 15 a of the preferred embodimentmay serve as means to initiate the start-up of the electrical drivemotor 4 b and the process of power generation as represented by theoperation of the dynamo-electric generator 6 b. The distributed powersource such as the solar photovoltaic 15 a of the preferred embodimentmay also provide the electricity required for the initial charging cycleof the energy storage device 13 b, as well as a constant trickle chargeas required by efficiency losses within such a device as represented bya backup battery system. This also has the benefit of minimizing deepcycling of the batteries and thus extending their useful life. In theevent of a power failure from the electrical utility system grid 24, orfor systems that are not grid-connected, or during any lapse in powerfrom the dynamo-electric motor 6 b, the distributed power source such asthe solar photovoltaic array 15 a of the preferred embodiment mayrecharge the energy storage device 13 b to provide continuous power tothe building enclosure 26.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A regenerative power supply system for supplyingelectric power to at least one of: an electric load or an electric powerdistribution grid, of a building or facility, comprising: adynamo-electric generator; an electric drive motor coupled to saidgenerator; a transmission device coupling said generator to saidelectric drive motor; an energy storage device configured to provide abackup power supply to the regenerative power supply system; anelectronic control device configured to control a flow of electricity tosaid electric drive motor and to at least one of: the electric load orthe electric power distribution grid, of the building or facility; andan energy storage management device configured to control a flow ofelectricity between said electronic control device and said energystorage device.
 2. The regenerative power supply system of claim 1,wherein said transmission device comprises a first wheel coupled to saidelectric drive motor, a second wheel coupled to said dynamo-electricgenerator that is smaller than said first wheel and mechanical drivelinkage coupling said first wheel and said second wheel such that saiddynamo-electric generator rotates at an angular velocity greater than anangular velocity of said electric drive motor.
 3. The regenerative powersupply system of claim 1, further comprising a distributed power sourcedistinct from an electrical grid power source.
 4. The regenerative powersupply system of claim 3, wherein said distributed power sourcecomprises a solar photovoltaic array configured to recharge said energystorage device.
 5. The regenerative power supply system of claim 1,wherein said dynamo-electric generator supplies electricity to meet loaddemands of the regenerative power supply system.
 6. The regenerativepower supply system of claim 1, wherein said dynamo-electric generatorsupplies electricity to a local electrical utility system grid.
 7. Theregenerative power supply system of claim 1, wherein saiddynamo-electric generator supplies electricity to said energy storagedevice.
 8. The regenerative power supply system of claim 3, furthercomprising a power inverter configured to convert direct currentelectricity stored in said energy storage device or generated by saiddistributed power source into alternating current to meet load demandsof the regenerative power supply system or said electric drive motor, orto provide supplemental electricity to said electrical grid powersource.
 9. The regenerative power supply system of claim 8, furthercomprising a second power inverter configured to convert direct currentelectricity produced by said dynamo-electric generator into alternatingcurrent to recharge said energy storage device, meet load demands of theregenerative power supply system or provide supplemental electricity tosaid electrical grid power source.
 10. The regenerative power supplysystem of claim 1, wherein said energy storage device comprises anelectrical battery bank.
 11. The regenerative power supply system ofclaim 1, wherein said electronic control device comprises an alternatingcurrent transfer control switch and fused disconnect panel to controlflow of alternating current electricity within the regenerative powersupply system.
 12. The regenerative power supply system of claim 11,wherein said energy storage management device controls a flow ofelectricity between said electronic control device and said energystorage device.